Hospital trade unions join hands to build a smoke-free environment

The Bach Mai Hospital Trade Union recently launched 56 departmental trade unions to sign a commitment to building a smoke-free working environment. According to the commitment, each collective and individual must not smoke in the hospital grounds, not buy, sell, advertise or market tobacco products, and actively remind, propagate and participate in activities in response to "National Tobacco-Sinoff Week" and " World Tobacco-Sinoff Day".

The commitment also clearly stipulates the responsibilities of individuals and leaders of units in implementing and reporting periodic results, which is the basis for the hospital's Steering Committee for Tobacco Harm Prevention to monitor and evaluate emulation at the end of the year.

Responding to the launch of the Vietnam Health Trade Union, Bach Mai Hospital has been implementing many diverse and practical forms of propaganda to raise awareness, change behavior and build a smoke-free working environment among union members and workers.

Not only stopping at specialized training courses, in recent times, Bach Mai Hospital has strongly implemented communication activities in departments and rooms with the slogan: "Smok-free hospital - Protecting people's health". billboards, posters, and visual posters are placed in corridors, waiting areas, elevators, and shared living areas with easy-to-understand, lively content, helping each health care unit, employee, and hospitalgoer to be more aware of the harmful effects of tobacco.

The outstanding message that the media program aims for is: "Smoking is more harmful than you think" - emphasizing the harmful effects of active and passive smoking and new forms such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Media content shows that cigarettes are the cause of more than 25 dangerous diseases such as lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, reproductive disorders and infertility.

Along with that, union members and workers in the hospital are encouraged to participate in free consultation and smoking cessation support at the Consultation room - Respiratory Center, or contact a hotline for free guidance.

At the National Children's Hospital, the Trade Union has developed content, disseminated and educated about the harmful effects of tobacco to all union members through competitions, seminars, thematic activities and inpatient cultural activities. Together with the Department of Organization and Personnel, the Trade Union has advised the entire Steering Committee for Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control, and coordinated to supervise the implementation of commitments of departments and offices.

At many union activities, the message "No smoke - no risk of disease" was cleverly integrated into artistic activities and skits, helping union members access information easily and effectively. Collectives that comply with regulations are all recognized, commended and replicated as typical, creating a positive spread throughout the hospital.

According to the hospital's Steering Committee for Tobacco Harm Prevention, periodic and surprise inspections are conducted regularly, with the participation of the Administrative - Management Department, Trade Union and security team.

The results showed that 100% of departments and branches have signed a commitment not to smoke, there are no hot spots for violating regulations. In particular, the phenomenon of smoking in hospital premises has decreased significantly, contributing to reducing the exposure rate to secondhand smoke at medical facilities from 23.6% in 2010 to 21.3% in 2023.

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